Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap Begins, Lavrov Dismisses Vatican Talks, Putin Orders Border Buffer

Prisoner Exchange and Diplomatic Stance

• 🤝 Russia and Ukraine have completed the first phase of a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner swap, exchanging 390 individuals each.
• 🗣️ Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow will not permit Russian-speakers in Ukraine to remain under the current Ukrainian government, referred to as Zelensky’s “junta.”
• ⛪ Lavrov dismissed the Vatican as a suitable venue for peace talks, citing potential religious bias, particularly concerning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Security Measures and Border Buffer

• ⚠️ President Putin ordered the creation of a security buffer zone along Russia's border in response to drone strikes and sabotage.
• 🎯 Russian forces are actively engaged in suppressing enemy firing points to establish this buffer.
• 🏠 There is an ongoing effort to restore and rebuild infrastructure in regions like Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk that have been damaged.

Drone Attacks and Civilian Impact

• ✈️ Russia reported downing 112 Ukrainian drones.
• 🚑 Civilian transport, including ambulances and agricultural machinery, has been targeted, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children.